RANZCO has developed two position statements on solar retinopathy, one for health professionals and one for the general public, in light of the total solar eclipse happening on 20 April 2023 at approximately 11:29am AWST
The total solar eclipse (where the sun, the moon and the earth align) will be most visible in Ningaloo on Western Australia’s Coral Coast, including the town of Exmouth.
Solar retinopathy results in mild to moderate loss of central vision, which can be permanent. To ensure patient safety, RANZCO advises that the only way to guarantee the prevention of solar retinopathy is to avoid all forms of direct sun viewing as looking at the sun for just a few seconds can cause solar retinopathy.
Furthermore, RANZCO Fellow A/Prof Hessom Razavi has published “Turn around, bright eyes. Here’s how to see the eclipse and protect your vision” in The Conversation, highlighting why protecting your eyes from solar retinopathy can prevent permanent eye damage.